God’s Word Translation
Ecclesiastes 7:11
11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. It is an advantage to everyone who sees the sun.
Ecclesiastes 7:11 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
- New International Version (NIV)Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun.
Context of Ecclesiastes 7:11
9Don’t be quick to get angry, because anger is typical of fools. 10Don’t ask, “Why were things better in the old days than they are now?” It isn’t wisdom that leads you to ask this! Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. It is an advantage to everyone who sees the sun. 12Wisdom protects us just as money protects us, but the advantage of wisdom is that it gives life to those who have it. 13Consider what God has done! Who can straighten what God has bent?
Read all of Ecclesiastes 7Ecclesiastes 7:11 word by word
טוֹבָ֥ה חָכְמָ֖ה עִֽם־נַחֲלָ֑ה וְיֹתֵ֖ר לְרֹאֵ֥י הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 7:11
- Ecclesiastes 9:15A poor, wise person was found in that town. He saved the town using his wisdom. But no one remembered that poor person.
- 1 Kings 3:6Solomon responded, “You’ve shown great love to my father David, who was your servant. He lived in your presence with truth, righteousness, and commitment. And you continued to show him your great love by giving him a son to sit on his throne today.
- Luke 16:8“The master praised the dishonest manager for being so clever. Worldly people are more clever than spiritually-minded people when it comes to dealing with others.”
- 1 Timothy 6:17Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
- Ecclesiastes 11:7Light is sweet, and it is good for one’s eyes to see the sun.
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7:11
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 11Wisdom is good with an inheritance - In this chapter Solomon introduces many observations which appear to be made by objectors against his doctrine; and as he was satisfied of their futility, he proposes them in their own full strength, and then combats and destroys them. It is quite necessary to attend to this; else we shall take the objector's words for those of Solomon; and think, as some have done, that the wise man contradicts and refutes himself…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 11And by it there is profit - literally, And is profitable to the living. The same word as in Ecclesiastes 6:11, to the question in which it looks like an answer.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 11-22Verses 11-22 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their sufferings. Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or passions, no…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 11-12Wisdom and money are powerful tools for gaining benefits. wisdom preserves the life of its owner: See Ecclesiastes 7:17; Proverbs 10:2; 11:4.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1111. Rather, "Wisdom, as compared with an inheritance, is good," that is, is as good as an inheritance; "yea, better (literally, and a profit) to them that see the sun" (that is, the living, Ec 11:7; Job 3:16; Psa 49:19).Read the comment
Topics related to Ecclesiastes 7:11
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries